Lead Her Higher

Emily MacLean
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Where the voices, journeys, and wisdom of women in educational leadership take center stage. Hosted by Emily MacLean, each episode of Lead Her Higher invites a woman leader to share her story — the wins, the challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Through candid conversations, you’ll hear how these trailblazing women lead with vision, navigate change, and create lasting impact in schools and beyond. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, already leading the way, or someone passionate about empowering women, this podcast offers inspiration, practical insights, and a powerful reminder: it’s time to Lead Her Higher. A new woman’s story drops bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadherhigherpodcast Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gm9wzXyj YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadherhigheryoutube LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/leadherhigher

  1. 14. Lead Her Higher with Sarah Fleming

    2D AGO

    14. Lead Her Higher with Sarah Fleming

    In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean sits down with Sarah Fleming, Head of Preparatory at Upper Canada College, to explore what it means to lead with both strength and humanity in today’s educational landscape. Sarah reflects on her leadership journey across international schools and Canadian independent education, sharing how her understanding of leadership has evolved, from positional authority to influence, and ultimately to leading complex systems with authenticity and care. She speaks candidly about the personal experiences that have shaped her leadership, including her journey through illness and motherhood, and how these moments deepened her empathy, resilience, and sense of purpose. Together, Emily and Sarah explore the realities of leading in high-expectation environments, the importance of emotional regulation, and the transformative power of coaching in building capacity in others. They also discuss what it means to lead as a woman in visible leadership roles, particularly in boys’ schools, and the responsibility leaders have in shaping how young people understand leadership, identity, and belonging. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about position, but about presence, and the impact we have on others through how we show up every day. Key Takeaways Leadership evolves from position to influence to system-level impact.Emotional regulation is a critical, and often overlooked, leadership skill.Coaching is one of the most powerful ways to build capacity and self-direction in others.Personal experiences shape professional leadership more than we often acknowledge.Visibility matters, especially for women in leadership and the models we provide for young people.High-performing cultures require both high expectations and deep care.Great leaders create the conditions for others to grow, not just succeed themselves. Listen to Sarah’s story and be inspired to Lead Her Higher. Key Words: Leadership, Women in Education, Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, School Culture, Wellbeing, Independent Schools, International Education

    38 min
  2. 13. Lead Her Higher with Dana Watts

    MAR 11

    13. Lead Her Higher with Dana Watts

    In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean speaks with international education leader Dana Watts about what it truly means to open doors for others in leadership. Dana reflects on her journey through international schools in Hong Kong, Delhi, and Bangkok, and her current work with International School Services (ISS), where she focuses on learning, research, and leadership development across the global education community. Throughout the conversation, she shares why great leaders don’t just hold the spotlight - they pass the microphone. Dana also shares powerful reflections on mentorship, authenticity, and a message every aspiring leader should hear: don’t be the side dish - be the entrée. Together, Emily and Dana explore the mentors who shaped Dana’s path, the importance of meeting people where they are, and how intentional leadership can create opportunities for others to grow. They also discuss the realities of leadership pathways in international education, why titles and visibility still influence opportunity, and how schools can better recognize and nurture leadership talent already within their communities. This episode is a bold reminder that leadership is about opening doors, amplifying voices, and lifting others higher. Key Takeaways Mentorship matters - one leader seeing your potential can change the trajectory of your career.Leadership begins with meeting people where they are and helping them see what’s possible.In education leadership pathways, titles and visibility still influence opportunity more than they should.Women in leadership don’t need to blend in; they should step forward, own their voice, and take up space.Schools must intentionally build leadership pipelines that elevate diverse voices and perspectives.The future of education will require reimagining traditional systems, especially as technology and student expectations evolve. Listen to Dana’s story and be inspired to Lead Her Higher. Key Words: Leadership, Women in Education, Future of Learning, System Thinking, Diversity, Inclusion, Professional Development, International Education

    36 min
  3. 12. Lead Her Higher with Kath Murdoch

    FEB 25

    12. Lead Her Higher with Kath Murdoch

    In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean sits down with Kath Murdoch, internationally respected educator, author, and advocate for inquiry-based education. Kath reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to global thought collaborator in education, while challenging traditional definitions of leadership. She shares why she does not see leadership as a title or destination, but as a way of being, grounded in curiosity, vulnerability, collaboration, and a deep commitment to learning. Together, they explore how inquiry shapes not only student engagement but also leadership practice and professional growth. Kath speaks candidly about navigating uncertainty, leading through influence rather than authority, and the responsibility experienced educators have to lift others along the way. Key Takeaways: Leadership is not positional - influence can exist without formal authority.Inquiry is not just a teaching strategy; it is a stance toward learning and leadership.Curiosity and vulnerability are essential for building trust and strong school cultures.Women in leadership often lead through collaboration, relationships, and relational trust.Professional learning must mirror the inquiry we want to see in classrooms.Listening deeply is one of the most powerful and most challenging leadership skills.Experienced educators have a responsibility to nurture and elevate emerging leaders. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership lives in classrooms, in staff rooms, and in everyday acts of integrity and care. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or educational changemaker, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with courage, cultivate curiosity, and always keep learning. Listen now to Kath’s journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher. Keywords: leadership, education, women in leadership, student-centred, teaching, curriculum, self-care, collaboration, inquiry, professional learning, curiosity, influence

    36 min
  4. 11. Lead Her Higher with Tanya de Hoog

    FEB 11

    11. Lead Her Higher with Tanya de Hoog

    In this episode of Lead Her Higher, Emily MacLean sits down with Tanya De Hoog, Junior School Principal at Southridge School, to explore an unexpected leadership journey shaped by courage, mentorship, and deep commitment to student-centred learning. Tanya reflects on stepping into leadership early, developing her voice, and leading with what she calls “soft, elegant armour”,  balancing empathy, decisiveness, and authenticity. From curriculum passion to navigating crisis, mentorship, and finding joy outside of work, this conversation offers an honest look at the human side of school leadership and the power of imagining possibilities for ourselves and others. Key takeaways:  Leadership journeys are often unexpected -  growth happens when you say yes before you feel ready.Confidence with adults often develops later than confidence with students - mentorship matters.Trust is built through transparency, especially during moments of uncertainty or crisis.Collaboration strengthens decisions, but clarity and decisiveness are still essential.Compassionate leadership focuses on listening, presence, and honouring teachers’ agency.Mentorship, both giving and receiving, is critical in developing women leaders.Personal well-being fuels sustainable leadership - joy, hobbies, and boundaries matter.Leaders don’t have to do everything perfectly. Permission to pause is powerful.Leading higher begins with self-awareness and imagining possibilities for yourself and others.  Listen now to Tanya’s journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher. Keywords: leadership, education, junior school, women in leadership, student-centred, mentorship, confidence, teaching, curriculum, self-care

    41 min
  5. 10. Lead Her Higher with Rachel Marks

    JAN 21

    10. Lead Her Higher with Rachel Marks

    In this episode, Lead Her Higher host Emily MacLean is joined by Rachel Marks, Deputy Principal at Lauremont School in Richmond Hill, Canada, for a powerful conversation about leadership transitions, courage, and impact. Rachel shares her journey from leading the Junior School with deep relational presence to stepping into a broader, system-level leadership role as Deputy Principal. Her insights remind us that while transitions can be challenging, they also provide opportunities for growth and collaboration. Her reflections speak directly to a question many women in education grapple with: When is the right time to take the leap, even when the timing doesn’t feel perfect? Rachel illustrates the power of embracing change and supporting others in their leadership aspirations. By fostering connections and encouraging courageous conversations, we can create a more inclusive environment for women in leadership roles. This episode explores: • Letting go of certainty and redefining leadership identity • Balancing heart-centered leadership with strategic decision-making • The role of mentorship and sponsorship in lifting women into leadership • Why women belong in rooms where decisions are made Rachel co-founded Uplift/LiftUp, an annual Women in Leadership event hosted at Lauremont School,in partnership with CIS Ontario. The next event is March 4, 2026. In addition, she leads the Women in Leadership Model of the CAIS Leadership Institute, for leaders across independent schools in Canada.   Keywords: leadership, women in leadership, mentorship, professional growth, educational leadership, career transition, empathy, strategic planning, community building, personal development

    34 min
  6. 9. Lead Her Higher with Ceci Gomez-Galvez

    JAN 7

    9. Lead Her Higher with Ceci Gomez-Galvez

    In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, host Emily MacLean had the privilege of sitting down with Ceci Gomez-Galvez, Elementary EAL Coordinator at Saigon South International School, to explore what leadership looks like when it is rooted in language, identity, advocacy, and belonging. Ceci’s leadership journey reminds us that leadership is not always tied to a title; it’s tied to impact. As a multilingual educator, Ceci speaks powerfully about moving from working directly with students to leading through teachers, expanding her reach while staying deeply grounded in empathy and purpose. Ceci Gomez-Galvez shares her journey as an EAL coordinator, emphasizing the importance of empathy, advocacy, and redefining success in education. She discusses the challenges of navigating multilingual spaces, the need for equitable assessment practices, and the significance of coaching teachers. Ceci also shares openly about navigating leadership as a woman of colour in international education, the pressure to over-professionalize to be heard, and the liberating moment of choosing to lead as her truest self, unapologetically. Key Takeaways: Empathy in leadership translates to action for students.Joyful teachers create joyful learning environments.Advocacy should be a daily practice in education.Success is measured by the impact on others, not positions.Language acquisition is not linear but cyclical.Discomfort in learning can lead to growth.Coaching should meet teachers where they are.Lead equity work with wisdom, patience, and humanity.Be “wise rather than right” when navigating resistance. About Ceci Ceci is a dedicated collaborator, coach, and advocate committed to empowering educators to create equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for multilingual learners. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Ceci grew up in a bilingual household where languages were equally cherished, a value deeply instilled by her family. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing and extensive experience in international schools, Ceci now leads educators in designing programs that prioritize culturally responsive teaching and ensure equitable access for all learners. Passionate about fostering meaningful change in education, Ceci combines expertise with empathy to champion practices that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. Connect with Ceci through her professional portfolio at cecigomezgalvez.com. Listen to Ceci's journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher. Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadherhigherpodcast Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gm9wzXyj YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadherhigheryoutube LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/leadherhigher Keywords: leadership, multilingual education, advocacy, identity, belonging, equity, language acquisition, women in leadership, empathy, success

    41 min
  7. 8. Lead Her Higher with Jen Buchanan

    12/17/2025

    8. Lead Her Higher with Jen Buchanan

    In this episode of the Lead Her Higher podcast, host Emily MacLean sits down with Jen Buchanan, Principal of Think Global School, the world’s first travelling high school. Jen shares her unconventional journey to leadership in innovative educational environments and explores what it takes to lead a school that moves with the world. She dives into the transformative model of learning in motion, highlighting the importance of community, stability, and rituals in a mobile school setting. Jen discusses the power of student agency, the need to redefine success in education, and why disrupting outdated assumptions is crucial for preparing learners for a complex world. She also reflects on her global experiences, the role of humility in leadership, and the importance of representation for girls and women in leadership roles. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Jen’s personal insights and philosophies on leadership, learning, and life. About Jen Buchanan Jen Buchanan is a visionary educational leader and Principal of Think Global School, where students engage in immersive, place-based learning across multiple countries. She has led innovation in progressive education at various schools in Australia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. She has been a consultant with the Future Schools Alliance to support transformative learning environments nationwide. Known for championing student agency, equity, and creativity, Jen brings both strategic insight and hands-on experience to reimagining schools as dynamic communities that prepare learners for a rapidly changing world. She holds a Master of Education from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Film & Television, and her work is grounded in a deep belief in curiosity-driven, wellbeing-centred education. Jen embraces life as an adventurous traveller and creative artist, infusing her professional and personal pursuits with curiosity and imagination. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Jen’s leadership journey has been unconventional, focused on innovative educational environments.Community is essential for the success of learning in motion.Maintaining connections with loved ones is crucial for staff in a mobile school.Rituals help create a sense of home in a constantly changing environment.Leadership involves navigating challenges with clarity and compassion.Empowering students to have agency in their learning is vital.Success in education should encompass real-world problem-solving and adaptability.Outdated assumptions about education need to be disrupted for meaningful change.Global experiences shape leadership perspectives.Confidence and humility are essential partners in effective leadership. Tune in to hear her story and the lessons that continue to lift others higher. Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadherhigherpodcast Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gm9wzXyj YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadherhigheryoutube LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/leadherhigher Keywords: leadership, women in leadership, empowerment,leadership, education, student agency, global learning, community building, women in leadership, innovative schools, Think Global School, experiential learning, empowerment

    35 min
  8. 7. Lead Her Higher with Allison Prandolini

    12/03/2025

    7. Lead Her Higher with Allison Prandolini

    Episode 7 -   Lead Her Higher with Allison Prandolini  In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean connects with Allison Prandolini, an accomplished Head of Junior School in Australia, advocate for girls’ education, and incoming President of the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA). With more than two decades of leadership across primary schools, Allison brings a blend of wisdom, warmth, and candor that makes this conversation a powerful guide for anyone committed to leading with courage and authenticity. Together, Emily & dive into the real, everyday work of leading in girls’ education where boldness, voice, and student agency matter just as much as curriculum and strategy. From early leadership ‘tap on the shoulder’ moments to shaping school culture and challenging old narratives of the “good girl, Allison shares how her journey has been built on curiosity, compassion, and a deep belief in empowering young women. Allison is an accomplished Head of Junior School and educational leader with deep experience in school leadership, program development, and strategic advisory work. Grounded in research and curiosity, she leads through strong relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to continuous learning. With a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Management, she champions innovation in both pedagogy and strategy. Dedicated to student wellbeing and growth, she creates personalised learning plans and fosters environments where children feel valued, known, and challenged. As President Elect of the National Board of IPSHA, she has contributed to the organisation’s Strategic Plan, led the induction program for new Heads, and hosted a national conference and she will assume the role of National President in 2026. ✨ Key takeaways from this episode: Leadership often begins before you feel ready.Student voice is a powerful lever for change.Girls need to be bold, not compliant.Culture shifts require whole-community involvement.Student voice drives meaningful change.Vulnerability strengthens leadership.Reflection supports grounded decision-making.Mentorship is essential for aspiring women leaders.Leadership is about creating pathways for others.“Brave, not perfect” guides courageous leadership.🎧 Listen to Allison’s journey and be inspired to Lead Her Higher. Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadherhigherpodcast Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gm9wzXyj YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadherhigheryoutube LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/leadherhigher Keywords: leadership, women in leadership, cultural transitions, empowerment, mentorship, education, international schools, elementary, personal growth

    27 min
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About

Where the voices, journeys, and wisdom of women in educational leadership take center stage. Hosted by Emily MacLean, each episode of Lead Her Higher invites a woman leader to share her story — the wins, the challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Through candid conversations, you’ll hear how these trailblazing women lead with vision, navigate change, and create lasting impact in schools and beyond. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, already leading the way, or someone passionate about empowering women, this podcast offers inspiration, practical insights, and a powerful reminder: it’s time to Lead Her Higher. A new woman’s story drops bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Spotify: https://bit.ly/leadherhigherpodcast Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gm9wzXyj YouTube: https://bit.ly/leadherhigheryoutube LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/leadherhigher

Information

  • Creator
    Emily MacLean
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Emily MacLean
  • Show Website
    Lead Her Higher